Abstract P1-08-08: Approach to Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy Toxicities in a Interprofessional Education Program
Authors: Alison Duffy, Drashti Vasaiwala, Ciera Bernhardi, Justin Lawson, Paula Rosenblatt
Journal: Cancer Research (2023)

Abstract Background: Interprofessional collaboration and team-based care in oncology has become increasingly important given the complexity of new therapies and their associated side effect profiles. It has been demonstrated that clear and thorough communication improves patient satisfaction and patient adherence. Previously, students described a deficit of adequate oncology education in their curriculum. Incorporating learners from different educational disciplines to care for oncology patients in a breast clinic is an innovative idea that has not been previously published. Objectives: This study will evaluate patient satisfaction and learners’ competencies and confidence after an interprofessional education collaboration aimed at enhancing chemotherapy education and toxicity management. Methods: A single center study was conducted at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) from August 2020 through April 2021. Patient population was adults receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Learner population was medical and pharmacy students and residents. Learners received a brief educational orientation and then completed education and assessment sessions with patients. Sessions were prior to first chemotherapy, 2-4 days after chemotherapy, and then 1-3 days prior to next cycle of chemotherapy. Surveys of satisfaction and competencies were prospective but chart review for symptoms and interventions were retrospective. Results: 20 learners and 9 patients participated in the experience. Median of 4 encounters per patient were completed. 79 chemotherapy issues/toxicities were identified with 11 (14%) interfering in daily activities. 47 interventions were made and improvement was seen in 44 (56%) problems. Patient survey revealed that all 9 patients (100%) reported they were completely satisfied with education aimed at understanding side effects. One patient reported they were somewhat satisfied with understanding how to use their medication correctly and safely while the other 8 reported very satisfied (89%). Learners self-assessment tool revealed improvement in confidence in teach back (p=0.002) and interprofessional education competencies (p=0.01). Discussion: Incorporating medical and pharmacy learners in interprofessional care can help patients understand their treatment and help in management of toxicity. Limitations of the experience included faculty’s involvement in the discussions and interventions may overestimate the contribution of learners. In addition, the retrospective nature of the chart review may underestimate the symptoms for patients and overestimate the proportion of problems that were improved. Citation Format: Alison Duffy, Drashti Vasaiwala, Ciera Bernhardi, Justin Lawson, Paula Rosenblatt. Approach to Prevention and Management of Chemotherapy Toxicities in a Interprofessional Education Program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-08-08.